Why Young Syrians Prefer Public Sector Jobs

Nader Kabbani March 2009Why do young Syrians continue to line up for public sector employment? As Syria proceeds with market-oriented reforms to afford more space to its growing private sector, incentives related to wages, benefits, and job security continue to direct young people toward securing government work. Recent survey data shows that over 80 percent of unemployed 15 to 29 year-olds were interested in public sector jobs and 60 percent sought jobs exclusively in the public sector. These jobs are especially appealing for young women, whose higher levels of educational attainment are making them increasingly eligible for public sector positions. Despite the need for Syria to continue with public employment retrenchment, government-mandated wage increases in 2004 and 2008 have widened the earnings gap between public and private sector jobs. As Syria’s transition from a command to a “social market” economy progresses, several steps can be taken to encourage young people to acquire competitive skills and seize opportunities in the private sector. These include slowing public sector pay increases, reforming the pension system and labor laws, and reducing wage and employment discrimination against women in the private sector.